This marked a 50 per cent increase from 2023, according to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
While many travellers prefer group tours for the convenience of having all logistics managed by agencies, however, in a bid to attract customers, some travel tour businesses offer “zero-dollar tours” which claim to cover the cost of transportation, accommodation, and meals.
However, such tours often turn into a trap.
As the business model relies heavily on commissions from tourist shopping, many agencies may use coercion and enticement to ensure spending at selected stores that sell overpriced products.
If shopping quotas are not met, tour guides may refuse transportation or even insult tourists.
In February, a family was told to leave a tour bus by the guide after they refused to buy a gold bracelet costing 50,000 yuan (US$7,000) while…
